Can Hadi Choopan win back the Mr. Olympia title? In an Instagram post from July 7, 2026, Milos Sarcev shared Choopan’s monstrous physique update 12 weeks out from hitting the stage and revealed that he’s added 20 pounds to his frame.
In 2022, Hadi Choopan was crowned the Mr. Olympia after dethroning former two-time champ Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Since he started his career, Choopan has been hailed for his extreme conditioning levels and shredded physique. However, for the past three years, he’s finished runner-up at the Mr. Olympia, twice to Derek Lunsford (2023, 2025) and once to Samson Dauda (2024).
In Choopan’s last contest, he had his hands full at the 2026 Arnold Classic. Despite entering as the on-paper favorite, he was outmuscled by second-place finisher Nick Walker and the newly crowned titleholder Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea. Until then, Choopan hadn’t lost to these contenders throughout his career.
In a bid for redemption, “The Persian Wolf” joined forces with Milos Sarcev. Together, they plan to recapture the Mr. Olympia title, and based on his progress, fans could see the best and biggest Choopan yet this September.
Hadi Choopan Adds 20 Lbs, Shares Ripped Physique Update 12 Weeks Out from 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the Instagram post, Sarcev confirmed that Choopan was at his heaviest weight after adding 20 pounds.
“12 weeks out, with added 20 lbs (9kg – heavier than ever),” shared Milos Sarcev.
Fans in the comment section had mixed reactions to the physique update:
“GAME OVER 🔥💪😎”
“Guy is an o and people acting like he’s gonna go on stage w those love handles 😂 You all know how crazy 20 lbs is to put on at his size in such a short time”
“Dude’s waist is blown out. No room for mistakes especially after all the world politics going on. Better get that waist down 8 inches by show time!!”
“He was good until 2019, then he just worked on his waist and his waist got wider day by day. Now his shape is like a refrigerator.😂”
“Christ I’ve never seen Hadi this full BUT with a bloated waist. Hopefully that will be gone in 12 weeks time AND the extra muscle and fullness will remain. Obviously pushing the slin and carbs big style this off season”
Sarcev has been vocal about their plans for the Mr. Olympia. He intends to bring a ‘perfect’ Choopan to Vegas, emphasizing that a tighter back will be key to winning back his title. He also called Choopan the most feared bodybuilder in the Men’s Open.
Choopan looks full and has retained his signature conditioning 12 weeks out from showtime. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is scheduled for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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